HESTA’s current data, insights and customer experience leader Sam Harris has been promoted to chief growth officer.
In the new role, Mr Harris will lead the growth team as the super fund moves forward with the implementation of its new three-year strategy.
“HESTA has begun a growth evolution, with Sam’s appointment continuing to build our capabilities across the business to achieve strong member growth, delivering benefits of scale to members,” HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said.
“With close to two decades in the super industry, Sam brings a wealth of experience to the chief growth officer position and has been influential in transforming our member experience, using member insights and segmentation to pave the way for strong member acquisition.
“I know he will bring the same insights-driven thinking to the CGO role and will lead our growth team to further enhance its capabilities and deepen relationships with our partners.”
After joining HESTA In 2012, Mr Harris joined the fund’s leadership team in 2015 before taking on the data, insights and customer experience leader position in 2019.
He led the development of HESTA’s cloud-based advanced analytics platform and oversaw the design of a number of initiatives to increase the fund’s product and digital capabilities and ability to provide omni-channel financial advice.
“HESTA is undergoing an extraordinary period of growth and transformation, and I’m very excited to have this opportunity to work with the Growth team to continue enhancing our deep partnerships with the health and community services industry,” Mr Harris said.
“Our members are incredibly hardworking and spend their lives caring for others so it’s a real privilege to be able to give back by helping look after their retirement journey and improving their financial confidence.”
The appointment comes after HESTA announced an intention to merge with fellow super fund, Mercy Super.
The merger would see Mercy’s 13,000 members transferred to HESTA and combined funds under management (FUM) of almost $70 billion.
“This merger is the start of a wonderful new chapter of our growth that we believe will benefit members and continue to position HESTA as the fund of choice for those wanting their super to have impact,” Ms Blakey said this week.
The merger is hoped to be completed before the end of the year.
